Match Preview - Swindon Supermarine

Tiverton Town v Swindon Supermarine 

The Slee Blackwell Solicitors Stadium 

Saturday 22nd March, Kick Off  3pm

When Joe Parker finished into the corner of the net last Saturday, to get that all important second goal at Winchester in the 82nd minute, it breathed life back into the Yellows season.  

A stuttering campaign which has tested the nerves of their supporters, now requires another win at the weekend to maintain a survival push. Standing in our way are a Swindon Supermarine side that will also be intent on securing safety with victory on Saturday. 

There was praise from his manager for local based striker Dan Koita at Winchester, as he made his first start and Asa Hall was extremely happy with his troops then and will be hoping for a similarly, determined display at the Slee Blackwell Stadium.  

This is the first of four remaining home games and with all the away games looking particularly tough on paper, points will be at a premium on home soil. Although with Saturday’s result, the Yellows have now won four games apiece on their travels and in their familiar surroundings.  

The returning Matt Britton, Jeff Forkuo and Gabe Billington’s involvements were all plusses for Asa Hall and Steve Orchard, though physio Richard Sleep will be checking in on the fitness of striker Joe Beardwell, before the management duo are able to compile their matchday squad. 

Ex EFL striker Stuart Fleetwood is Marine’s current manager and Fleetwood formerly of; Cardiff, Brighton & Hove Albion, Luton, Exeter and Hereford was appointed manager of the club in September 2023, after they had begun the 2023/24 season disappointingly. 

His team did elevate themselves to higher mid table, earlier in the season and when the two sides met back in September, it was a convincing 4-0 win at The Webbswood for the Wiltshire side. At the time of writing, they occupy 14th place. 

In the 22/23 campaign current Supermarine attacking player Harry Williams, scored 34 goals in 34 games for the club in this division. Although he hasn’t come close to repeating those goalscoring feats in recent seasons, he does have 15 goals to his name so far this term.  

Williams had a brief professional career with Cheltenham and other clubs he has featured for, include; Gloucester, Farnborough and Salisbury. His threat cannot be ignored. 

Our tormentor in the reverse fixture was Michael Fernandes. A first half hattrick from the talented attacking player, putting the Yellows to the sword. The wide man has registered 13 goals in the league this season, although his participation in this game is not clear cut, as he has been missing through injury in the last few matches. 

Fernandes was professionally contracted to Colchester United earlier in his football journey and has also spent a considerable time with Farnborough. Other ports of call have included; Salisbury, Farnborough and Hayes & Yeading. 

Midfielder Anton Dworzak is on loan from Swindon Town and the young starlet has made a very good impression since arriving at the Webbswood. 

Left sided player and Captain Ryan Campbell Has been with the club for Nine seasons, making well over 250 appearances. A very good technical player, Campbell is one of several long serving players in their ranks. In his formative years Campbell played for Chippenham. 

Defender Sam Turl has been an ever present over the last Three campaigns and will have played over 140 games in all competitions, by the time this season concludes. The strong and dependable Turl is very popular with fans and managers alike. With good technical ability often seeing him bombing forward. 

Fiachra Pagel who put in some good performances earlier in the season for us, on loan from Forest Green is currently between the sticks for Marine and Olly Mehew the gifted forward, was with the Yellows’ briefly in 22/23 and his nomadic footballing career, saw him move from Merthyr to Swindon. 

We welcome them both back on Saturday and in roles reversed Matt Britton will be facing his old side, having played for them in the 21/22 season. 

Asa Hall and Steve Orchard will face many challenges in the run in. However, it’s important to remember that they both stood up to be counted after Rob Dray’s departure and have noticeably worked hard to try and salvage our Southern League Premier status and along with the players’ will continue to do so. 

So, let’s get behind our team and give them all the encouragement they need on Saturday.